I have received at least half a dozen emails in the past few weeks asking about what is needed to bring pets to Mexico. Regardless of whether you cross the border by land, air or sea, you are required to follow the same basic guidelines when bringing pets into Mexico.

For those of you who aren't aware, the requirements changed back in June 2010. Because things can change without notice, I called the Mexican Consulate to double check that all the information I had was up-to-date. The current regulations are as follows, and apply only to dogs and cats.

1) Health Certificate

The animals shall be accompanied by a Health Certificate (HC) in English and Spanish, issued in duplicate within 10 days prior to travel, by a federally employed veterinarian, or by a licensed veterinarian. In the last case, the HC must be issued on letterhead that includes the license number of the signing veterinarian.

You must have the original and photocopies (you know how Mexicans love their paperwork). The Health Certificate must include the owner's name and address (or that of the importer), the address of your destination, as well as a description of the animal. It must also indicate that your pet has been treated for parasites (internal and external) within 6 months of travel, and that the pet is in good health.

If you are flying, be sure to check with your airline to make sure they do not require additional information. Some airlines require the Health Certificate to be issued less than 10 days prior to departure.

2) Rabies Certificate

You must present a Rabies Certificate indicating that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies within 12 months prior to travel. Animals less than 3 months of age are exempt from this requirement.

3) Other Rules

While I have never read this before, the SAGARPA website indicates these additional rules:

High season is rapidly approaching, and that means businesses will start to announce their grand re-opening dates, new specials, changes in location, and unfortunately we're likely to see a few closings as well. We will update this section as we receive information.

Openings

El Forno

Mariam and Daniel Caluso, owners of Soley italian Restaurant in La Peņita, opened El Forno over the summer. It is located in the walk-through mall, at street level, under the Equinoxio Disco. The menu includes pizza, spaghetti, lasagna, burgers and sandwiches.

New Management

Crazy Nelly's Sports Bar & Grill

Crazy Nelly's is taking the winter off. Paradise Bar & Grill will occupy the space and fill the sports bar need. They will be hosting the Mens Dart Tournament every Wednesday at 1pm as usual, and they now have 3 TVs for sports viewing. They will be serving the same great food in addition to some new Asian items.

Specials & Special Events

Salvador's

They have just announced their daily specials for the upcoming season, as well as event details for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Super Bowl. View Specials >

Classes & Workshops

Casa Cooking Classes

Debra Triplett and Elizabeth Nunez are bringing their ever-so-popular Casa Cooking Classes back again this season. They are including new techniques and recipes, and more in-depth information. They are also adding private classes to the mix. Classes will be held on Fridays (instead of Thursdays) and will start November 18th. Click here for Class information >

Well, don't everyone jump at once. I started to write alittle and before i knew it. I was talking about why Ernest should of parked his 1955 Chevy on the Beach here to write that fishing story, Old man in the sea. I have in mine in draft right now, explaining to someone how a people could be so kind and thoughtful as opposed to an individual. Read entire story >

Lin Chimes has provided a list of supplies needed for the upcoming Spay & Neuter Clinics this season. If you have extra space in your luggage, car or motorhome, please consider bringing some of these items down to Mexico with you...

General Supplies:

Kennels (check garage sales)

Old Towels

Old Sheets

Flea and Tick medication (Frontline Plus is the best)

Collars and leashes (dollar store)

Medical Supplies:

Sterile Surgical Gloves

Sutures 3.0, 2.0, 1.0 (absorbable type)

Stethoscopes

Digital Thermometers

Catherers (IV not catheter type) #18, 20, 22, and 24

1" Needles with Caps

1, 3 and 5 cc Syringes

Packaged Gauze Squares

Drape

18 Gauge 1" or 1 1/4" Catheters (not the butterfly type)

Long Neck Syringes (not the screw type)

Straight Needles size 22

Animals for Adoption

Rescued and adopted animals make the best pets! There are always dogs and cats available for adoption in the Jaltemba Bay area that are looking for good loving homes.

Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR) advocates humane and healthy practices for animals in the Jaltemba Bay area by promoting health, education, spay and neutering, adoptions, foster care and positive relationships with animals and their owners. JBAR also works to find homes for street dogs and cats. For more information, visit the Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR) community page.

Calender + Events

Events are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in, and learn about, the Mexican culture. Here is a list of upcoming holidays, festivals, events, and activities worth planning around. Also check out our Community Calendar for a complete list of what's going on in the Jaltemba Bay area. If you have information about an event, please email us so we can include it in our next issue. And don't forget to add your event... it's FREE!

Upcoming

September 26 to October 4

Patron Saint's Festivities of San Francisco

This celebration revolves around a fair in the main square of San Francisco (San Pancho) with popular dancing and parties.

October 1-2

Surf Fishing Tournament in Lo de Marcos

This 2-day tournament will be held at Playa Lo de Marcos. The entry fee is $200 pesos, and you can register at Tlaquepaque Hotel in Lo de Marcos. For more information, click here.

To take advantage of the abundance and diversity of butterflies in the area during the end of October, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens will be offering daily tours at 1pm. They will walk you through their favorite viewing spots of these fluttering friends, and help you identify certain species.

October 31

Halloween

Although Halloween is not a Mexican holiday, you will still find costumes, parties, tricks and treats.

November 1-2

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

During this 2-day holiday, relatives celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. November 1st is All Saints' Day, when Mexicans pay homage to the souls of the children who have passed. November 2nd is All Soul's Day, when the souls of those who died in adulthood are honored. Relatives of those who died, gather at cemeteries throughout Mexico, bringing bread, fruit and decorated sugar skulls, along with candles and the favorite food of the people they are remembering, to celebrate the lives of those passed on. The mood is far from morbid: it is lively, upbeat, and a celebration of life!

* Indicates possible non-working holidays.

** Indicates Nationwde holidays -- Schools, banks, post offices, and other public government offices are closed during these Mexican National Holidays. Often times these and other major holidays include the nearest Monday to create a 3-day weekend.

2011-12 Special Events

We realize that many of you plan your vacations around the local fundraisers and special events in town, so we have emailed the event organizers to gather information. We will include additional events and dates as soon as we are notified.

Rotary Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30am at Piņa Colada Restaurant in Guayabitos. Members enjoy social time over breakfast with an official meeting beginning promptly at 8am. Various community leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, and artists are invited as guest speakers to give members a better understanding of the region they serve.

Thursdays:

Tianguis in La Peņita

The Tianguis (open-air market) is held every Thursday in and around the Plaza in La Peņita (map) from 8am-1pm or so. It is "the" place to be and be seen on Thursdays... and to shop for silver and handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry, linens and tableclothes, glassware, Talavera plates and sinks, Huichol Indian artwork and Oaxacan rugs and black clay pottery. You can buy everything from dried chiles, fresh fruits and veggies, homemade breads, and locally-produced honey and coffee beans, to new and used clothing, kitchen accessories, blender and stove parts, and just about anything else you can think of. The market in La Peņita is one of the largest and most well-known markets in the entire area. (Note: While the Tianguis continues year-round, many of the artisans do not participate during the summer months.)

Featured Businesses + Vacation Rentals

We are proud to promote the following businesses, vacation rentals, and real estate listings on the Jaltemba Bay Life site. Please support these and the other local businesses that make our website possible through their advertising. Thank You!

FEATURED RENTAL

Los Compadres Resort

La Peņita

Beautiful resort with 7 spacious and private suites and stunning views of the entire Jaltemba Bay. Stay for a week or month. more>

NEW

Las Cabaņas del Capitán Guayabitos

This beachfront hotel has bungalows and suites with air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, and swimming and wading pools. more>

NEW

The Domes

Guayabitos, Zona Residencial

6 furnished townhomes with full kitchen, dining and living room, loft, garden courtyard and pool.more>

NEW

Paintings by Karen Rose

Minnesota artist who enjoys painting the awesome tropical beauty that Mexico has to offer, including the "Kissing Beach" near Los Ayala shown here. more>

Add your business or vacation rental (hotel, bungalow, rental home, bed and breakfast, condo, apartment or RV park) to our directories, and be seen by people who are specifically interested in the Jaltemba Bay area -- VRBO and other rental sites can't offer that. And because you list "By Owner", you can change your information, pricing structure, discounts, photos and availability as often as you like. Your business or rental will be shown on our interactive maps, and we offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee, so you have absolutely nothing to loose. For more information, click the links below or email us.

Listing your Real Estate By-Owner on our site is easy, affordable, and runs until you sell. And for a limited time, we will also include an ad for your property in our weekly newsletter like those shown below. Click here to find out how.

Spectacular beachfront home with oceanfront pool, five bedrooms and immaculately maintained property. more >

UPDATED PRICE

Casa de los Pelicanos

Guayabitos

$650,000

You could own this classic 2-story Mexican Colonial Villa which is now an operating business. more>

Thank You / Gracias

We want to THANK YOU for taking the time to read this issue of the Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter.

We are very proud of our website, Jaltemba Bay Life, and we work hard to provide you with the most up-to-date and informative site for both locals and visitors to the area.

If you own a business, hotel or vacation rental, and/or have real estate to sell, we hope you will consider advertising on our site. You'll be listed in our directories and be seen by hundreds of locals and visitors each and every day. We stand by our product and our commitment to the community -- that's why all fees are 100% money-back guaranteed!

We value your opinions and feedback. Please email us or post on the Jaltemba Bay Folk Forum if you've enjoyed this issue of our newsletter or if you have comments or suggestions about how we can make our community website even better!